The care of the sick is holy work. Whether you’re a physical therapist or a doctor or a parent sitting beside the bed of a kid with the flu, when you care for those who are ill you’re doing something holy. Benedict understood this and tells us in Chapter 36 of his rule, “Care of the sick must rank above and before all else.” The reason for this is when we care for the sick we honor Christ, “for he said: I was sick and you visited me” (Matt 25:36). We meet Christ, we honor Christ’s presence, in the humble acts of caring for those who are sick.

A few years ago I was in the hospital. I appreciated doctors’ knowledge to make decisions. I appreciated those who brought me food or visited me. I appreciated especially nurses and nurses’ aides who did the work of helping me heal. They were there all the time, looking after me, bathing me, getting me water and food, and getting me out of bed and healthy. This is sacred work they do, and we should honor it as such. One aide, a young widow in her 30's with a couple kids, was in nursing school and serving as an aide as a part of her schooling. She stood beside me as I walked with weak legs, bathed my body, and kept me company. There are many days I wish I could find her and tell her how much her work meant to me when I was sick.

Do you want to do something spiritual with your time? Do something to help those who are sick. Visit a nursing home or provide for the care of one who is ill, and you’ll find there, in the basic details of being with someone in physical need or sickness, a window in to see Christ’s presence among us.